Guwahati: The Meghalaya government has declared a public holiday on February 21, 2026, in the Shillong Parliamentary Constituency as a mark of respect for the late Member of Parliament Ricky AJ Syngkon and to enable people to attend his funeral.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the holiday would be observed across all districts falling within the constituency. The decision, he noted, was taken to allow the public, supporters and well-wishers to participate in the funeral services and pay their last respects.
The date had earlier been notified as a working day under compensatory holiday arrangements but will now be observed as a holiday in honour of the departed leader.
Syngkon, 54, who represented the Voice of the People Party (VPP), died on Thursday after collapsing while playing football in Shillong. He was initially taken to the Community Health Centre in Mawiong and later shifted to Dr H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw. Despite efforts by doctors, he was pronounced dead at around 8.42 p.m., with suspected cardiac arrest cited as the cause.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Syngkon’s passing, recalling his contributions to public life.
Chief Minister Sangma conveyed his condolences, describing Syngkon as a compassionate leader dedicated to public service and the welfare of the people.
Proceedings of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly were suspended on Friday as members mourned the legislator’s death. Speaker Thomas A Sangma announced that the House would confine itself to obituary references for the day as a mark of respect. A revised schedule of sittings, he added, would be issued subsequently.